Spearfish, S.D. – The Yellow Jackets captured their second win in a row on Saturday, defeating the Western State Mountaineers in five sets (21-25, 25-17, 25-21, 25-16, 15-13).

After losing the first game, the Jackets bounced back to take the second in commanding fashion. They fell in the third set but were able to win the next two sets to win the exciting RMAC contest. This was the Jackets second straight RMAC win and their third RMAC victory on the season.

Our gals battled throughout the match.  We were faced with a non-traditional approach to offense that consisted of a lot of off speed shots and second contact attacks from the setter," said head coach Sally Nichols. "We were able to adjust and overcome the unexpected with stellar performances by Kelsey Olson, Meghan Sipe, and Amy O'Neill. 

The Yellow Jackets were led by junior outside hitter Amy O'Neill, who recorded 20 kills during the contest. They also saw outstanding offensive performances from Meghan Sipe and Kylee Lamb who recorded 16 and 13 kills, respectively. Caitlin Templeton added 11 kills for the Jackets. Junior setter Darbi Yost efficiently spread the ball around, recording 47 assists during the five-set match.

"Holly (Hamlin) and Kylee (Lamb) are forcing teams to adjust their offense due to their discipline on the block. There effort is commendable. Our offense helped us regain momentum and push us through the fourth and fifth set led by Caitlin Templeton and Kylee Lamb," Nichols said. "Our captains, Kylee Lamb and Darbi Yost did a great job holding our team together and demanding their teammates to believe in our ability to prevail late in the fifth.  We are gaining confidence each time we step on the court and continue to show what our athleticism is capable of on offense and defense." 

The Yellow Jackets will host in-state rival South Dakota Mines on Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Donald E. Young Center.